Cheek & Midface Filler

Cheek and midface filler can be beneficial in so many ways. It is a fantastic treatment for those who lack cheekbones and feel they have a flat midface. It is also great for rejuvenating the ageing face. A lot of patients worry it may make them look ‘done’ and they don’t want to have ‘chipmunk cheeks.’ When done well, it should be undetectable and the filler should integrate with your features seamlessly, giving your face an enhanced, rejuvenated look but leaving you still looking like you. As we age, we lose the fat pads in our cheeks. These fat pads are crucial to hold the cheeks up and give them volume. As the cheek drops down, it can cause nasiolabial folds (nose to mouth lines), marionette lines, and can also contribute to the tear troughs. Dermal filler here, in the right places, can give structure and support back to the face, indirectly lifting the lower face. It can actually give your lower face a slimmer appearance too. Generally, it is advisable to have this area treated first before considering tear trough filler and nasiolabial filler for best results. Every face is different, and a full facial consultation is necessary before any treatment. Often small tweakements of filler in multiple areas is best to transform the face in a natural way. You will be able to see results on the day but due to the swelling, the result will be different 2 weeks later.

The procedure is relatively pain-free, with potential mild discomfort due to the injection of the small needle / cannula. Numbing cream is used. Most of the appointment time is spent assessing your face and treatment planning, with the actual treatment taking no more than 15mins. If you are having multiple areas treated, then the appointment will be longer. No appointment will be rushed, to ensure the treatment is caried out safely and aftercare advice is thoroughly explained.

As with all treatments there are always risks. As with any injectable treatments, there is a risk of bruising and swelling, which subsides within a few days-weeks. It can take sometimes 4-6 weeks for filler to fully integrate and settle, but you can usually return to your normal daily activities within 24/48 hours. If you already had asymmetry, this may still be there following treatment. If you have some small bumps following dermal fillers this is also normal and is usually swelling and will self resolve. Lip filler in particular, can trigger cold sores if you are prone to them. There is a small risk of filler entering a blood vessel during injection – leading to a vascular occlusion. If left untreated this can lead to permanent scarring of the face and in extremely rare cases, blindness. Dr Shareka has the full kit which is required to reverse and dissolve any filler should this occur.

With dermal filler, less is more. It is always best to treat in stages rather than overfill. So multiple appointments may be required, to allow the results from the previous appointment to settle. Usually 4 weeks between appointments is advised.

You will be able to return to your normal daily activities after treatment, but you must follow the aftercare.

Generally, cheek and midface filler lasts around 12-18 months. Everybody is different and this can be different depending on your lifestyle and metabolism. For some people it may even last longer than this.

Yes, Dr Shareka will only use fillers that are fully reversible to ensure the highest level of patient safety.

You are unsuitable for treatment if:

• You have any infection present at or near the injection sites
• You are allergic to any of the ingredients
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding
• You have a neuromuscular disease

Please do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment. Avoid any laser treatments, chemical peels or microneedling for 2 weeks before and after your treatment. Please try to eat and drink something before your appointment to avoid feeling light headed during the procedure. Please come to your appointment make up free or with minimal make up.

Yes! Please avoid alcohol and exercise for at least 24 hours as it can lead to flushing of the skin, which can, in turn, reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Avoid rubbing the areas of the face that have been injected for 24 hours - this includes having facials or facial massage. Avoid applying makeup directly to the injection sites for 24 hours. You may apply makeup to the other areas of your face.